After Chris Evans bid farewell to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2019, his anticipated comeback in the 2026 film Avengers: Doomsday seemed almost destined. His last portrayal as an aged Steve Rogers passed the Captain America mantle to Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame. However, the 2024 project Deadpool & Wolverine marked a surprising return to the MCU, where he appeared as Johnny Storm’s Human Torch. Now, it has been confirmed that Evans will grace the screen again in the upcoming Phase 6 crossover event.
On December 9, The Wrap revealed that Chris Evans is set to reprise a role in Avengers: Doomsday, though details surrounding his character remain undisclosed. Speculation surrounds various possibilities—could he return as Captain America, embody an alternate HYDRA version, or perhaps introduce a new character? His return echoes the experiences of other MCU alumni, including the Russo brothers and Robert Downey Jr., who is slated to return as Doctor Doom in the same film.
Mixed Critical Reception for Chris Evans’ Post-Endgame Roles
Eight Significant Projects Since Endgame
Since concluding his journey as Captain America, Chris Evans’ film career has been marked by a series of mixed outcomes, predominantly filled with box office disappointments. Given his status as a Hollywood icon, this is quite surprising. Notably, his standout successes post-Endgame have been in 2019’s acclaimed Knives Out and the brief reprise in Deadpool & Wolverine.
|
Film Title |
Release Date |
RT Critics |
RT Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Red Sea Diving Resort |
July 31, 2019 |
28% |
77% |
|
Knives Out |
November 27, 2019 |
97% |
92% |
|
Lightyear |
June 17, 2022 |
74% |
84% |
|
The Gray Man |
July 15, 2022 |
45% |
90% |
|
Ghosted |
April 21, 2023 |
25% |
55% |
|
Pain Hustlers |
October 20, 2023 |
23% |
65% |
|
Deadpool & Wolverine |
July 26, 2024 |
78% |
94% |
|
Red One |
November 15, 2024 |
31% |
90% |
Aside from notable performances in Knives Out, Deadpool & Wolverine, and the animated Lightyear, the latter faced significant financial setbacks largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath. Conversely, films like The Red Sea Diving Resort, Ghosted, Pain Hustlers, and the recent Red One have received negative feedback, while The Gray Man drew mixed reviews. This disappointing string of projects likely set the stage for Evans’ return to Marvel.
Most Acclaimed Post-Endgame Performance: Deadpool & Wolverine
Return as Johnny Storm in Deadpool & Wolverine
While Evans received acclaim for his role in Knives Out, it can strongly be argued that his standout moment post-Endgame was his cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. This sequel, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, allowed Evans to reprise his role as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, from the earlier Fantastic Four films.
Although his screen time in Deadpool & Wolverine was brief—he appears just before an intense moment where Emma Corrin’s Cassandra Nova removes Johnny Storm’s skin—audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. For many fans, seeing Evans return to this iconic role after 17 years was exhilarating. This performance further solidified his standing in the MCU, indicating that his return was only a matter of time.
Inevitability of Evans’ Return in Avengers: Doomsday
Chris Evans’ Role in Avengers: Doomsday Remains Unconfirmed
Despite entering the MCU with relatively modest box office hits, Evans’ return for Avengers: Doomsday feels like a logical step. Throughout his tenure as Steve Rogers, Evans has participated in some of the highest-grossing films in cinematic history. He now has the opportunity to leverage this experience to advance his career after the release of Avengers: Doomsday.
The anticipation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday is heightened by the return of the Russo brothers as directors and Robert Downey Jr. as the formidable Doctor Doom. Designed to rival the success of Infinity War and Endgame, this film will feature an ensemble cast including members from The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Thunderbolts, alongside Anthony Mackie. Fans hope that Evans’ return signifies a new chapter in his career.
Challenges Faced by RDJ and the Russo Brothers Post-Endgame
Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo Brothers’ Journeys
Chris Evans is not alone in navigating post-Endgame challenges. Both Robert Downey Jr. and the Russo brothers have faced similar difficulties in their projects following their MCU successes. Downey Jr. transitioned from Endgame to the lackluster Dolittle in 2020 but bounced back with Oppenheimer in 2023, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Meanwhile, the Russo brothers helmed Cherry and The Gray Man, along with the series Citadel, all of which garnered mixed responses from audiences.
Having previously directed the acclaimed MCU films Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, the Russo brothers are seasoned storytellers within the superhero genre.
It appears that these creatives have a preference for collaborating with Marvel Studios, recognizing the security and popularity that the franchise provides. At 2024’s San Diego Comic-Con, the announcement of the Russo brothers and Robert Downey Jr.’s return set the stage for Evans’ inevitable comeback. Although details about his character in Avengers: Doomsday remain scarce, this development promises to excite both fans and Evans’ future prospects.
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